Sedation dentistry can help many patients get access to even the most basic dental services. If your dentist recommends sedation, it is usually to address
one of these issues:
1. Lengthy procedures
2. Strong gag reflex
3. Severe dental anxiety
4. Disabilities that may prevent you from sitting comfortably in the dentist’s chair, etc.
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Essentially, sedation is available to make sure patients remain perfectly relaxed and comfortable while getting their oral health needs checked.If you’ve been told you may need sedation, then you’re likely wondering if you should make arrangements for someone to drive you home after. Well, if you’re getting laughing gas (nitrous oxide,) you may be able to drive yourself home. Keep reading to find out why.
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Laughing gas is considered perfectly safe when administered by a trained professional in a controlled setting. In fact, it’s the sedation of choice for children, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Nitrous oxide is not known to cause any serious, life-threatening, or long-term side effects. However, some patients may experience some mild symptoms such as headaches or nausea. Usually, these symptoms appear as soon as the gas enters your system, and if that’s the case, the dentist will quickly switch to oxygen. Once the gas is expelled, the symptoms usually disappear.
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